Unaccompanied baggage

Another way to carry more baggage than your checked baggage allowance permits is to consign any clothes and personal items (e.g. portable musical instruments, portable sports equipment) as unaccompanied baggage before you depart on your journey.

The details stated below apply to Air New Zealand operated flights only. If your flight is operated by an Air New Zealand partner airline, you will need to check the details with the airline operating the service.

Air New Zealand will accept hand tools of trade, strollers and pushchairs as unaccompanied baggage.

For large amounts of excess baggage the cost may be lower using this unaccompanied baggage option. However, due to security requirements items sent this way won't travel on the same aircraft as you.

Unaccompanied baggage from New Zealand (excluding to the USA)

If you hold a passenger ticket to an international destination, Air New Zealand can offer you a discount off the published cargo rate to most destinations (does not include Niue, Samoa and Tonga). From New Zealand unaccompanied baggage (baggage shipped as cargo) rates are 50% of the normal cargo rate. Rates from other countries may differ (contact your local area Air New Zealand representative).

For large amounts of excess baggage the cost may be lower using this unaccompanied baggage option. An Air New Zealand documentation fee plus a Customs Export Clearance fee is required to be paid and is added to the final cost. Depending on the destination country, customs charges may need to be paid on pick up of consignment.

Another alternative is to contact your local airfreight forwarder to obtain a quote. They will also provide pickup and delivery services if required.

If your baggage exceeds the checked-in baggage allowance and you wish to send it as unaccompanied baggage via cargo, we recommend you contact an Air New Zealand local area representative at least 5 days before your travel to discuss your requirements.

Unaccompanied baggage from Australia (excluding to the USA)

Unaccompanied baggage from all countries, except from New Zealand, Australia, USA

If your baggage exceeds the checked in baggage allowance and you wish to send it as unaccompanied baggage via cargo, we recommend you contact an Air New Zealand local area representative at least 5 days before your travel to discuss your requirements.

Please note: depending on the amount of unaccompanied baggage being sent as cargo, excess baggage may be the more economical option. Also remember as cargo terminals are often located a distance from the main passenger terminal it is important you prearrange this service before you commence your journey.

Another alternative is to contact your local airfreight forwarder to obtain a quote. They will also provide pickup and delivery services if required.

Unaccompanied baggage to the USA from all countries

If you are sending unaccompanied baggage into the United States (or US territory), which contains any food, drink, or body products such as cosmetics, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) require notification at least 4 hours in advance of the flight arrival in the USA.

Unaccompanied baggage from the USA

Due to TSA regulations unaccompanied baggage from USA is not accepted by Air New Zealand Cargo. Customers have the options of:

Checking their baggage as excess on their flight(s)

Contacting a freight forwarder to assist them in moving their baggage

Unaccompanied baggage service fee

A New Zealand Customs Export Clearance is now required for all cargo shipped from New Zealand, including unaccompanied baggage. Air New Zealand Cargo will facilitate this clearance on your behalf. A charge of NZD $30 applies for this service.